March 20, 2020
An emergency ordinance temporarily suspending on-premises dining operations at restaurants and dining establishments in the city was approved by the Johns Creek City Council during its emergency special-called meeting on Friday evening. The temporary dining restrictions are enacted to curtail large gatherings and to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for employees and the public. The emergency ordinance directs restaurants and dining establishments in Johns Creek to cease dine-in services beginning Friday, March 20, 2020 at 6 p.m.
“We are putting the people and businesses of Johns Creek first by adhering to national and state emergency efforts to help stop the spread of the coronavirus,” said Johns Creek Mayor, Mike Bodker. “We encourage all residents of Johns Creek to support, order from, and take advantage of the exceptional offerings provided by all of the restaurants, dining establishments and businesses within the city. Let’s all work to “Keep It In The Creek” and help strengthen our community and keep our outstanding businesses active.”
The emergency ordinance requires restaurants, or businesses with a full-service kitchen which sell food or beverages for consumption on premises, to close in-person dining operations. These establishments are allowed to offer takeout, pickup, and delivery during the temporary suspension. Businesses licensed to sell beer and wine on premises will be allowed to sell unopened beer and wine for takeout or delivery for consumption off-premises while this emergency ordinance is in effect. While providing takeout services under the ordinance period, establishments are required to limit access and provide enough room so that customers and staff can keep a safe distance. Cafeterias in hospitals, nursing homes, or similar facilities shall not be subject to the restrictions contained in the newly adopted ordinance.
“I urge all community members to pay close attention to trustworthy health experts like the
CDC and the
Georgia Department of Public Health, as well as other leaders including the President of the United States and the Governor of Georgia,” said Mayor Bodker. “As a city, we are putting forth strategized efforts in order for our community to help each other and act in the best interest of public safety and our overall health and well-being.”
The emergency ordinance approved by the Johns Creek City Council will be in effect until the end of the city’s declaration of emergency enacted for a 30-day period which began March 18, 2020. The ordinance and additional information related the City of Johns Creek’s actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic can be found on the
city’s website. The city will continue to urge support of local businesses and help to outline the new restrictions and explain the parameters of the new ordinance. The city is working with the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce to promote the support and use of Johns Creek restaurants and dining establishments through the #KeepItInTheCreek campaign.